I think it is more of a comfort thing. I had some regular sony ear buds that were like that and loved it. I now have fancy etymotics and they have the "Real Men" style, and it's not nearly as comfortable. E.g., when you take them out of your ears the behind the head ones just rest on your chest - while the in front version fall to the floor - or at least need to be tended to. I was very happy to see that they chose that style. Cheers.